When buying or selling a property—especially in urban or developing areas—it’s important to understand not just the land, but the roads around it.
This is where a Highway Department Report becomes essential.
It may not be something your real estate agent mentions up front, but it can make a big difference in what you can (and can’t) do with your property.
In this article, we’ll cover:
-
What a Highway Department Report is
-
Why it’s important for property buyers and sellers
-
What kind of issues it reveals
-
And how to order it easily from vcaretitle.com
What Is a Highway Department Report?
A Highway Department Report is a document that provides important information about how a property interacts with public roads, sidewalks, and nearby transportation plans.
It includes official records from the local or state highway department about:
-
Whether a property is adjacent to a public or private road
-
If the road is maintained by the city, county, or privately
-
Existing or planned road widening, construction, or zoning projects
-
Driveway access status (legal or illegal)
-
If there are pending right-of-way issues or road easements
In short, it tells you whether the property is in compliance with transportation rules—and whether future road projects could affect it.
Why Is a Highway Department Report Important?
Road access is something we all take for granted—but it has a big impact on how you can use, modify, or sell your property. Here’s why this report matters:
1. Ensures Legal Road Access
Believe it or not, some properties sit on paper roads (roads that exist on maps but not in real life) or have unclear access points. A Highway Department Report confirms if your access is legal and public.
2. Reveals Maintenance Responsibility
Is the road in front of your home maintained by the city—or are you, as the homeowner, responsible for its upkeep? This report tells you upfront.
3. Shows Future Highway or Road Projects
If your property is next to a road that will be widened or extended, that could affect the property’s value, use, or even lead to partial land acquisition by the city. Knowing early helps you plan better.
4. Avoids Permit or Construction Issues
If you plan to build a driveway, garage, or fence near the road, you’ll need to know where public land ends and your property begins. This report provides that clarity.
5. Supports Smooth Closing
Lenders, title companies, and lawyers may require a Highway Department Report during real estate transactions—especially for commercial or newly developed areas.
Who Should Order a Highway Department Report?
You should strongly consider ordering this report if you are:
-
Buying a residential home with unclear road access
-
Purchasing vacant land for development
-
Selling a property with a private or shared driveway
-
Planning to build or renovate near the street
-
Buying commercial or industrial property
-
Investing in property near highways or major roadways
What’s Included in a Highway Department Report?
At vcaretitle.com, our Highway Department Reports include:
-
Whether the road next to the property is public or private
-
Who is responsible for maintenance and repairs
-
Known road improvement plans or proposed changes
-
Any right-of-way, easements, or encroachments
-
Access status for driveways, sidewalks, and curb cuts
-
Any restrictions on future development due to highway regulations
We gather this data directly from the local Department of Transportation, Public Works, and municipal records. The report is written in clear, simple language—so you can make informed decisions.
How to Order a Highway Department Report from vcaretitle.com
No need to visit the local DOT office or dig through confusing zoning websites.
Just follow these simple steps:
-
Visit vcaretitle.com
-
Select “Highway Department Report” from our services
-
Enter your property address
-
Submit your request
-
Receive your custom report via email—typically within 2–4 business days
Our team handles the research and paperwork for you.
Why Choose vcaretitle.com?
Thousands of buyers, sellers, real estate agents, and investors use vcaretitle.com to get the reports they need—fast and hassle-free.
With vcaretitle.com, you get:
-
Fast delivery (1–4 business days)
-
Reports written in plain English
-
Verified data from local departments
-
Access to other important reports: Flood, Fire, Health, CO, and more
-
Helpful customer support
We’re your one-stop shop for real estate property research in the U.S.
Final Thoughts
If you don’t know what’s going on with the road in front of your property, you could be facing big surprises later—like denied building permits, unexpected repairs, or legal issues.
A Highway Department Report gives you a clear picture of your road access, rights, and restrictions. It’s a smart step for buyers, sellers, and investors who want to avoid risk and move forward with confidence.
Order your Highway Department Report today from vcaretitle.com and make your next real estate decision with clarity and peace of mind.